tech for little ones

Most of us at Design*Sponge haven’t jumped on the baby train yet, but as the majority of us tip closer to 30 than 20, we’re starting to find ourselves surrounded by friends and family that have. In honor of their (very sweet) little munchkins who join us for coffee breaks, lunch meetings and play dates, Kate has rounded up a wide selection of kid-friendly tech gear for MyLifeScoop this morning. Whether you’re looking for interactive games, digital books or fun ways to play music, she’s found something for children of all ages. I know apps and technology aren’t everyone’s favorite things for kids (I always hear from the “What’s wrong with wooden blocks?!” people when we post anything related to children and technology), but if you’re looking for creative and well-designed ways to introduce your little ones to technology, these pieces are a great place to start. Thanks to Kate for rounding them up for us. Click here to check out her full post and sourcing at the D*S Blog on MyLifeScoop. xo, grace

I’m fervently hoping that when more of the D*S team does board the ‘baby train,’ that the website will not morph into baby world. I’m definitely in that stage where all my friends are having babies, and I don’t want kids–so I’m constantly surrounded by it! Lots of babysitting for me haha :)

I love that you describe it as “jumping on the baby train.” :D
My roommates did almost two years ago. Living with a kiddo does present some very interesting – and constantly changing! – design challenges.
While I hope that design*sponge doesn’t turn into OhDeeDoh, I wouldn’t turn down a DIY before-and-after or two of kiddo-related items.

Over dinner tonight I was talking to my 10-year-old about what his favorite things are…#1 was family & friends. #2 was books. #3 was technology. When I chided him that he just meant screen time with video games, he cocked his head to the side and said “mommy, this chair is technology. so is that light bulb. all sortsa stuff is technology.” there’s nothing wrong with technology—so long as it comes at least third on the list.

I was wondering when you redesigned your website, if you you tested it on ipads? When I try to enlarge the screen to read the type easier, it doesn’t allow this function. I am a huge fan of this blog and tell everyone I know about it, but I have trouble reading the 6 or 7 point type as it appears on the screen. I know this comment doesn’t relate to the thread and won’t be posted and should have spoken up when you were taking comments, but I was hoping someone else would mention it and it would be resolved by now. K.

would wouldn’t i post this comment? i’m always happy to respond to questions or concerns about issues with the site.

we didn’t design the site with the ipad in mind, because less than 1% of our readership is reading the site that way. and in terms of budget, we have to invest in designing versions of the site that speak to the majority of readers.

that said, i’m happy to try to troubleshoot any issues we can. the font shouldn’t be 6 point, is that how it’s showing? feel free to shoot me an email at designsponge at gmail dot com and i can see what we can do it fix it :)

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